In January 2011, when I first whispered, "I declare 2011 to be the year of ME," I really had no idea where that statement would lead. But with great help from SparkPeople (the focus on the whole person, the support of Spark Friends, and the many tools), the weight I had resigned myself to taking to my (probably early) grave is gone.

As a first step, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds, just to see if I could actually pull it off. Focused effort has paid off in ways I never dreamed ...

In January 2011, when I first whispered, "I declare 2011 to be the year of ME," I really had no idea where that statement would lead. But with great help from SparkPeople (the focus on the whole person, the support of Spark Friends, and the many tools), the weight I had resigned myself to taking to my (probably early) grave is gone.

As a first step, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds, just to see if I could actually pull it off. Focused effort has paid off in ways I never dreamed possible. Those 50 pounds went away, so I set new goals that will result in 75 pounds gone when I'm done remaking myself. I closed out 2011 on December 31 at 154 pounds and a BMI of 24.9! That put me 9 pounds from my goal and in the healthy BMI range for the first time in over 2 decades.

As a plus, DH suggested we train together to run a 5K in the Spring. I so looked forward to that, even with my arthritic knees. Unfortunately, DH developed hip trouble that kept him from training, so when the day came, he jogged partway with me and walked the rest.

That race seemed to help nudge me out of a fitness slump so I could continue toward my goal. On May 19, I declared victory on the weight-loss front. As I approached that goal line, I realized I'd better have an outlet for my energy and determination, or I would get hit with the letdown that comes after accomplishing a hard-fought battle. So I've tackled decluttering my house as a follow-on and am using techniques I learned (or relearned) at SP to make headway.

December, 2012 update: I hit my six-month maintenance goal a few weeks ago and rejoiced that I have never maintained a weight loss for six months in my decades-long yo-yo history. I set a December goal to exercise each day in some way, stay within my calorie range daily, and track food and fitness each day.

H - Have some chocolate today. A -All work and no play can make you a basket case. P - Putting all of your eggs in one basket is never a good idea. P - Paws and reflect on how green your grass actually is. Y - You have to break out of your shell to find out who you really are.

E - Every bunny loves somebunny some time . . . A - A cute little Easter bonnet can tame the wildest hare. S - Some (chocolate) bunny is waiting for you. T - There’s no such thing as too much chocolate! E - Everybunny needs a friend who is all ears. R - Remember to keep your paws off of other people’s jellybeans or chocolate.

Today is St. Patrick's Day, Do you have the luck of the Irish? Well you need to get a lucky charm, And make a great big wish. It's the time to eat corned beef and cabbage, And also drink green beer, And raise our glasses in a toast, And bring in a lot of cheer. So don't forget when you go out, To wear green by the way, Then you can join all of the rest, And have a great St. Patrick's Day!